Craig Tooley spotted this beautiful hawk recently. We first thought it was a Sharp-shinned Hawk but it turns out the experts agree it's a Cooper's Hawk.

Here's what the Cornell Lab of Ornithology says about these hawks:

"Among the bird world’s most skillful fliers, Cooper’s Hawks are common woodland hawks that tear through cluttered tree canopies in high speed pursuit of other birds. You’re most likely to see one prowling above a forest edge or field using just a few stiff wingbeats followed by a glide. With their smaller lookalike, the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawks make for famously tricky identifications. Both species are sometimes unwanted guests at bird feeders, looking for an easy meal (but not one of sunflower seeds)." Yes, they eat smaller birds.

To hear their call, here is the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Coopers_Hawk/sounds

It's not a musical call, is it?  Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

Feels like a storm is coming in this afternoon!